After the launch of Azuñia Tequila back in summer of 2009, Intersect Beverage has experienced steady growth and interest for the brand in the 8 states they currently have distribution in. The success has been centered around the unique flavor profile of the brand and the work Intersect Beverage has done in the “Mixology” community. The brand was quickly recognized by some industry heavy hitters and after a series of meetings in New York, Intersect Beverage made the decision to partner with DSWE. “We realized after our first meeting together that it was a perfect fit for our two companies. We believe in the same principles and own the same philosophies of the business,” says Jim Riley CEO Intersect Beverage. “I am personally looking forward to the great things we can do with Domain’s strategic partners like the Tippling Brothers.”

With the launch of their Classic and Vintage Artisanal Spirits Collection in February 2009, Domain Select is in a position to expand the portfolio with a new line of tequilas. “We are happy to have the opportunity to work with Intersect Beverage and embrace their knowledge and passion for success. ” says Allison Domeneghetti, COO of DWSE. “After the results came in from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge earlier this month we knew we had made the right decision with our new endeavor. All three blends of Azuñia did extremely well, with the Azunia Añejo receiving 93 points -Excellent-Highly Recommended!”

DSWE and Intersect Beverage will be opening up new markets in 2010 to expand its current coverage beyond California, Arizona, Hawaii, Colorado, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Nevada, with New York being the first to open collectively.

About Azuñia Tequila
Intersect Beverage, located in Newport Beach, CA, imports Azuñia Tequila (ultra-premium tequila). Azuñia Tequila is produced from the finest quality hand-selected 100% Weber blue agave plants, grown and harvested by one of the oldest and most experienced growers in the Jalisco Region of Mexico. Azuñia’s Tequila portfolio includes: Platinum Blanco, Reposado and Anejo. Azuñia Tequila is currently distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Hawaii and New York, and New Jersey. To learn more about Azuñia Tequila check out www.azuniatequila.com follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/azuniatequila and Facebook http://bit.ly/tX8N0

About Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits Collection
Assembled in 2009, the Classic & Vintage Collection is a portfolio of boutique spirits, founded by Domaine Select Wine Estates (DSWE). The Portfolio represents a dynamic and diverse group of products that promote quality and accessibility within the cocktail culture across the U.S. This spirits set is an unprecedented collection of gems, each with a distinct and relevant story.

About DSWE – Domaine Select Wine Estates
Founded in 1999, Domaine Select Wine Estates is dedicated to wines and spirits from around the world of the highest quality and which demonstrate excellence and tremendous character, particular to their origin. The company is committed to transmitting the individuality of the producers; expressing diversity, tradition and character – the tenants of DSWE.

This particular Anejo spends at least a year aging in old whisky or bourbon barrels, and it’s that oaky and woody flavor that comes to the forefront when you drink Azunia neat. Most blanco tequilas have a harsh flavor with a heavy bite – but this Anejo has clearly had the time to mellow out, and the overall smoothness of this spirit will surprise you. If you’re looking for a solid sipping tequila, you’ll probably love this.

There’s a hint of nutty, almond-ish flavor that’s hiding in the mix, and as smooth as Azunia’s is, you don’t have to choke through a harsh burn to enjoy it. I’m a big whisky drinker, and this hits me the same way a nice glass of Glenmorganie does; smooth, mellow, but with a wealth of complex and subtle flavors. Other reviewers seem to agree with me:

“My initial impression of the bouquet of the Azuñia Añejo is definite sweet agave and over-ripened salty pineapple skins. Diving my nose deeper into the glass brings strong caramel flavors, sea salt, vanilla bean and even a bit of mineral “soil” like impressions. The nose contains some citrus-like freshness, perhaps a dash of lemon or perhaps a bit of lime, it’s hard to define exactly which citrus flavoring but it is present and appreciated.

The taste introduces a light sweetness with a spicy mid-palate transition that drives right into the agave farm on your face. You can almost taste these agave planets baking in the rich soils of Mexico when you take a sip. The finish is clean and spicy and its flavors fade off just a bit too soon. I find myself taking multiple sips to relive the complex tasting experience with a second sip getting a bit of white pepper, a buttery charred oak and dried tropical fruit.” {Everydaydrinker}

Honestly, I don’t think you can ask much more out of a Anejo tequila. Azunia has created a great product for tequila connoisseurs. We tried something crazy and attempted to put this into a Margarita and…lets just say it didn’t go well. If you’re looking for a shooter this isn’t it. If you’re hoping to make cocktails then you’re going to want to stick with something like their Platinum expression. This is strictly for the sippers out there.When I was browsing on Azunia’s website, I noticed that they only have two cocktail recipes that call for the Anejo, and they’re both coffee drinks that use Bailey’s and Kahula. If you can find a solid balance in a straight margarita that uses Anejo – more power to you – but I’d rather drink the Azunia Anejo neat in a rocks glass than fussing it up in a cocktail.

One final note. Some people might think I’m being picky about this but Azunia really needs to rethink their presentation. Yes, when you get right down to it all that matters is what’s in the bottle. But if I saw Azunia in my liquor store I would pass it up for a more interesting bottle. At around $50 a bottle you’d expect it to look as good as it tastes and Azunia tastes a hell of a lot better than it looks. So get a prettier bottle Azunia, you’re worth it.

All in all Azunia has a great deal of smoothness and subtle complexity in its flavors – the kind of thing you want to just spend some time with and learn from.

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